Nature-Based Early Childhood Educators' Perspectives on Embracing Fire as a Loose Part
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| Title: | Nature-Based Early Childhood Educators' Perspectives on Embracing Fire as a Loose Part |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Carla Gull, Suzanne Levenson Goldstein, Tricia Rosengarten |
| Source: | International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education. 2025 12(2):37-55. |
| Availability: | North American Association for Environmnental Education. 1725 DeSales Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 202-419-0412; Web site: https://naturalstart.org/research |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 19 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Early Childhood Education |
| Descriptors: | Early Childhood Education, Fire Protection, Safety Education, Play, Risk Management, Natural Resources, Developmentally Appropriate Practices, Child Care |
| ISSN: | 2331-0464 |
| Abstract: | With the rise of nature-based early childhood education (NBECE) and emphasis on the importance of risky play, it is prudent to investigate a different approach to fire safety, through experimenting with fire and following necessary safety precautions within NBECE and other settings. This study explored fire as a loose part, safety considerations, and best practices for using fire in early childhood settings. An online survey instrument was disseminated via nature organizations and social media platforms examining demographic information, use of fire as a loose part and fire play approaches within early education settings with 290 qualifying respondents. The study used a convenience sampling technique to investigate practices and concerns focused on fire play through educators' perspectives of children aged two years through eight years. Results indicate that programs using open flame as part of fire play are using additional fire safety protocol and precautions and respondents cite safety as a primary reason for allowing fire play. Fire play, when it is allowed, can be done safely, thoughtfully, and carefully. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1485112 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | With the rise of nature-based early childhood education (NBECE) and emphasis on the importance of risky play, it is prudent to investigate a different approach to fire safety, through experimenting with fire and following necessary safety precautions within NBECE and other settings. This study explored fire as a loose part, safety considerations, and best practices for using fire in early childhood settings. An online survey instrument was disseminated via nature organizations and social media platforms examining demographic information, use of fire as a loose part and fire play approaches within early education settings with 290 qualifying respondents. The study used a convenience sampling technique to investigate practices and concerns focused on fire play through educators' perspectives of children aged two years through eight years. Results indicate that programs using open flame as part of fire play are using additional fire safety protocol and precautions and respondents cite safety as a primary reason for allowing fire play. Fire play, when it is allowed, can be done safely, thoughtfully, and carefully. |
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| ISSN: | 2331-0464 |
